Akshaya Navami 2023 Date, Story, Rituals & Important
On the ‘Navami’ (ninth day) of the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (moon’s radiant fortnight) in the month of ‘Kartik’ according to the traditional Hindu calendar, one of the most significant Hindu rituals, Akshaya Navami, is observed. This day has the same significance as the auspicious day of ‘Akshaya Tritiya,’ a magnificent festival observed on ‘Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya’. According to the Gregorian calendar, Akshaya Navami occurs between October and November. As the name ‘Akshaya’ implies, the rewards for conducting devotional or charitable acts on this day are eternal and benefit the observer not only in this life but also in future lives. Two days anterior to ‘Dev Uthani Ekadashi’, Akshaya Navami is celebrated.
According to Hindu legends, it is believed that the era of ‘Satyug’ began on Akshaya Navami; hence, it is also known as ‘Satya Yugadi’. This day is exceptionally favorable for all Daan-Punya activities. Moreover, in various areas of India, Akshaya Navami is also celebrated as Amla Navami. On this day, the Amla tree is venerated as the residence of all gods and goddesses. This day is celebrated as “Jagaddhatri Puja” in the Indian state of West Bengal, during which the Goddess of Satta is adored with devotion. Also on Akshaya Navami, the Parikrama of Mathura-Vrindavan is regarded as extremely auspicious. On this day, Hindu devotees from all corners of the nation congregate to receive the greatest benefits.
Akshaya Navami Date 2023
Tuesday, 21 November 2023
Story of Akshaya Navami
On the ‘Navami’ (ninth day) of the ‘Shukla Paksha’ (moon’s radiant fortnight) in the month of ‘Kartik’ according to the traditional Hindu calendar, one of the most significant Hindu rituals, Akshaya Navami, is observed. This day has the same significance as the auspicious day of ‘Akshaya Tritiya,’ a magnificent festival observed on ‘Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya’. According to the Gregorian calendar, Akshaya Navami occurs between October and November. As the name ‘Akshaya’ implies, the rewards for conducting devotional or charitable acts on this day are eternal and benefit the observer not only in this life but also in future lives. Two days anterior to ‘Dev Uthani Ekadashi’, Akshaya Navami is celebrated.
According to Hindu legends, it is believed that the era of ‘Satyug’ began on Akshaya Navami; hence, it is also known as ‘Satya Yugadi’. This day is exceptionally favorable for all Daan-Punya activities. Moreover, in various areas of India, Akshaya Navami is also celebrated as Amla Navami. On this day, the Amla tree is venerated as the residence of all gods and goddesses. This day is celebrated as “Jagaddhatri Puja” in the Indian state of West Bengal, during which the Goddess of Satta is adored with devotion. Also on Akshaya Navami, the Parikrama of Mathura-Vrindavan is regarded as extremely auspicious. On this day, Hindu devotees from all corners of the nation congregate to receive the greatest benefits.
Rituals of Akshaya Navami
- On the day of Akshaya Navami, devotees rise before sunrise and bathe in the Ganges and other Holy rivers.
- Under the direction of a cleric, elaborate pujas and rituals are performed on the riverbanks following the bath.
- The site of worship is cleaned near the banks and thirty squares are drawn using turmeric.
- These squares are referred to as ‘Kotha’ and are then stuffed with pulses, cereals, and other foods. Following this ritual, Vedic mantras are recited.
- This ritual is conducted on Akshaya Navami for a bountiful harvest and an endless supply of food grains.
- On Akshaya Navami, women observe a rigid fast.
- They engage in numerous bhajans and kirtans throughout the day without consuming a single grain of sustenance.
- On this day, residents in some regions also worship the ‘Amla’ (Indian Gooseberry) tree.
- On this day, one should consume Amla fruit for good health and also donate some fruits.
- Today is a very significant day for charity.
- On Akshaya Navami, it is believed that any virtuous deeds performed are eternal. Also of significant significance on this day is making anonymous donations.
- One must give as much as possible based on their financial situation to any eligible individual.
Imortance of Akshaya Navami
The day of Akshaya Navami is extremely important to Hindus and is celebrated with great fervor throughout the nation. On Akshaya Navami, it is believed to be highly rewarding to offer supplication with complete devotion and fervor. The prayers offered on this day bestow the fulfillment of all desires and ultimately lead to’moksha’ or liberation. On this day, charitable acts benefit the individual for a lifetime and beyond. Akshaya Navami is also known as Kushmanda Navami because, according to Hindu legends, Lord Vishnu stopped the spread of Adharma on this day by vanquishing the demon Kushmanda.